Creamline Cool Smashers’ Bernadeth Pons in the course of the AVC Champions League. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
MANILA, Philippines —Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons relished the chance to signify the nation within the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League, regardless of Creamline’s quarterfinal exit on Thursday evening at Philsports Area.
The Cool Smashers had been swept by Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima within the knockout spherical, 15-25, 22-25, 16-25. Pons and Galanza led the crew’s effort, whereas Ana Kudryashova topscored with 9 factors.
Bernadeth Pons grateful for her worldwide indoor stint with Creamline. #AVCChampionsLeague | @LanceAgcaoilINQ
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READ: AVC: Creamline’s semifinals hopes dashed with Nakhon sweep
Pons, who led all native scorers with eight factors, couldn’t maintain again tears after finishing her first indoor worldwide stint with Creamline.
“Initially, I’m simply actually, actually grateful for the chance to play once more. I mentioned this throughout my first time representing the Philippines. And I get to do it with Creamline,” mentioned Pons, a two-time SEA Video games seashore volleyball bronze medalist earlier than becoming a member of Creamline.
“I simply actually loved being on the court docket. I’m so grateful. It truthfully made me emotional.”
Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jema Galanza in the course of the AVC Champions League. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.web
Galanza, a mainstay of Alas Pilipinas, was additionally sentimental as she suited up for Creamline within the AVC for the primary time because the 2022 Problem Cup held on the identical venue in Pasig Metropolis.
READ: AVC: Creamline no reply for ‘very gifted, very tall’ Zhetsyu crew
” I’m simply actually glad to have the ability to play internationally once more and to do it with Creamline,” mentioned Galanza in Filipino after scoring three factors.
“It’s one thing I’ll carry with me perpetually. It’s totally different whenever you’re along with your volleyball household. You are feeling snug, they know your sport, they usually know find out how to deliver out one of the best in you.”
Creamline opened its AVC marketing campaign with a win over Jordan’s Al Naser Membership, however fell in back-to-back matches to semifinalists Zhetysu, which swept Pool A and eradicated PLDT, and Nakhon Ratchasima within the quarterfinals.
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Regardless of the latest setbacks — together with their failed five-peat bid within the PVL All-Filipino Convention finals — Galanza is embracing the teachings realized and appears ahead to future alternatives, whether or not within the subsequent PVL convention or one other AVC event.
“As for the losses — that’s simply how it’s. No one’s excellent. There’s at all times a subsequent time. I simply hope subsequent time we get to organize higher, particularly with imports. However within the subsequent AVC we play, I hope it’s not simply the imports taking part in properly. After all, we wish to step up too, and be extra prepared,” Galanza mentioned.